New Private Reading of Revised bare Set for 11/1

Producers Randy Taradash and Martian Entertainment announced plans for a private reading of a newly revised script of bare, the award-winning rock musical that has garnered a worldwide fan base since its 2000 Los Angeles premiere. The reading will take place on November 1 in New York City.

A contemporary rock/pop musical, bare is set at a coed Catholic high school and centers around the intense relationship between two graduating seniors, Jason and Peter, and their circle of friends as they maneuver through the complexities of transitioning into life beyond school and navigating the new challenges of adulthood. bare explores issues faced by many of today's teens-coming out, drug abuse, teen suicide, pregnancy, body issues, and the expectations placed on them by family, peers, and religious faith.

The reading will be helmed by director Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz, Ragtime in London's West End), with musical direction by Lynne Shankel, and will feature an exciting mix of acclaimed performers and fresh faces from the Broadway scene, including Lewis Cleale (Father Mike), Leah Hocking (Claire), Capathia Jenkins (Sister Chantelle), Carrie Manolakos (Ivy), Andy Mientus (Peter), and Zak Resnick (Jason). The cast also includes Shannon Antalan, Corey Boardman, Liz Byrne, Katrina Dideriksen, Alice Lee, Ravi Roth, Jon Rua, Joey Taranto, and Stephanie Umoh.

Says Taradash: "Authors Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo wrote their groundbreaking musical bare in 2000 to widespread acclaim, and it has since captured the hearts of fans across the globe through its two-disc studio recording, numerous social media websites, and local productions seen in communities throughout the U.S. and abroad. Earlier this year we approached the team about taking a fresh look at their musical, whose universal themes of acceptance, tolerance, and unconditional love, whether from a lover, parent, peer, or from personal faith, have been at the forefront of so many of the discussions our nation has faced in recent times. As we've read with great sadness the headlines of the past few weeks concerning the struggles and despair facing today's LGTBQ youth, we have been struck by how ahead of its time bare was in 2000, and how, sadly, the world has caught up with bare. With a newly revised work in hand, the entire bare team is united in shaping a thrilling and emotional theatrical experience that allows anyone who feels their issues are singular to know that they are not alone."

Adds director Stafford Arima: "I am deeply honored to be working on this newly revised script of bare, especially during a period of time when a story about acceptance, tolerance, and love is so needed."

Plans for a full production of the newly revised bare are expected to be announced at a future date.

Photo credit: Joseph F. Panarello